Acupuncture While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable, especially as the bump grows bigger. Many pregnant people complain of aches and pains. While some women choose to take over-the-counter medications, other women go for the unconventional route and avoid medication. 

If you are hoping to treat aches and pains during pregnancy without the use of medication, acupuncture may be one of the methods offered. But, is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? Lets take a look at how it works.

Key Takeaways

• Acupuncture is a medical technique with a centuries-old history, originating in China sometime before 100 BCE.
• The practice has been shown to reduce stress, morning sickness, aches, and pains.
• Acupuncture is a safe treatment for pregnant women

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 1000-year-old Chinese medical practice based on the realignment of energy in an individual’s body. The acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific points or meridians that carry your energy or chi or qi and uses them to balance that energy. Meridians are interconnected throughout the body and the acupuncturist must know how and where to exactly insert the needles. 

Acupuncture works by triggering the release of several chemicals such as endorphins, that help to block pain signals. Acupuncture points correspond to deep-seated nerves and acupuncture methods like electroacupuncture help to activate the nerves. 

Acupuncturists believe there are over 2000 points. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has standardized it by proposing 14 meridians with 361 acupuncture points. 

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Acupuncture can be a great pain reliever, but many women fear it because they believe it is painful. In most cases, acupuncture has at most some discomfort but little or no pain. Additionally, when expertly done, the procedure will alleviate any pain you are feeling. The needles penetrate the skin at specific pressure points where the individual feels the pain. 

Techniques used can include:

• Moxibustion: The acupuncturist burns the herb “moxa” on or above the skin to warm and stimulate the pain points. 
• Dermal friction: The acupuncturist uses short brisk strokes on the surface of the skin
• Acupressure: Here, pressure is applied to the acupuncture points using fingers.
• Cupping: The acupuncturist places special cups on the skin as suction to draw blood to or away from a pain area on the body. 

The FDA controls acupuncture needles in the USA to ensure only the correct needles are used in the process. 

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy aches, pains, and nausea can be extreme, preventing you from doing your daily tasks, and because of the nature of pregnancy, your medication options are limited on the medications. Acupuncture then becomes a great option for many. In fact, some studies have shown that acupuncture is a great intervention for perceived stress in pregnant women, reducing tiredness significantly. 

Additionally, acupuncture can help with:

Morning sickness: Around 75% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness and about 50% suffer from both vomiting and nausea in the 1st trimester. Acupuncture that targets the wrist can help treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.  

Water retention: Water retention can be uncomfortable in pregnancy. The pressure in your womb can also lead to fluid build-up. Acupuncture can be used to re-balance and strengthen kidney function reducing the need to use pharmaceutical products such as diuretics which can be harmful to the mother and baby.

Sleep: Sleep is important when pregnant but to be honest, it can be elusive to some women. Acupuncture while pregnant can improve sleep quality through increasing melatonin secretion. 

Lower back and pelvic pain: Low back pain and pelvic pain are quite common during pregnancy, and they can continue even after delivery. Acupuncture during pregnancy can significantly improve pain and functional status in women with lower back or pelvic pain and has no observable adverse effects on the newborns. 

Heartburn: Heartburn is a common gut issue in pregnant women. The symptoms can be severe and distressing and acupuncture helps to alleviate these symptoms when pressure is applied on the acupuncture point Stomach 44 (on the web between the 2nd and 3rd toes).  

Acupuncture and IVF

Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be paired with in vitro fertilization before embryo transfer can have a positive impact on the IVF outcome for many women. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is a great option for you, the compassionate healthcare providers at  Dallas IVF will be able to guide you through the decision. 

Risks of Acupuncture in pregnancy

When it comes to the potential risks of acupuncture while pregnant, certain spots are considered off-limits before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Moreover, women who have an immune system disorder or are immunocompromised may risk infection with acupuncture from the needles.

Some acupuncture pressure points need to be avoided during pregnancy. They include:

• Spleen 6
• Large intestine 4
• Urinary bladder 60, 67
• Gallbladder 21
• Lung 7
• Conception vessel 3-7 (in the lower abdomen)
• Governing vessel 27-34 (between the coccyx bone and the anus)

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Many pregnant people are afraid of trying acupuncture out of fear that it can cause miscarriages. Nevertheless, acupuncture done by a well-trained professional is perfectly safe and can be a fantastic alternative to conventional medicine. 

Preparing for an acupuncture appointment

Before going to an acupuncturist, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. You must perform your due diligence when looking for an acupuncturist to ensure they are licensed and knowledgeable. 

When choosing the acupuncturist, ensure they:

• Avoid certain puncture points like the Hegu (L14) that can cause uterine contractions or lower abdominal points (CV3-CV7), which can stimulate the uterus. 
• Use sterilized and disposable needles to prevent infections.
• Avoid skin injuries from broken needles.
• Can seal acupuncture points with clean swabs.
• Clearly mark acupuncture points.
• Safely dispose of needles in a clinical waste bin.
• Maintain a clean environment.

In Summary

It’s important to choose an acupuncturist who’s experienced in treating pregnant women. Always make sure to tell your acupuncturist about your health history and any symptoms you’re currently experiencing so they can tailor an acupuncture treatment just for you. Lastly, make sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water. Always consult your doctor before having an acupuncture session.